THE AEGEAN ISLANDS

From the Greek mainland to the coast of Asia Minor the
traveler follows a route thickly studded with rocky islands. They are near
enough together to permit the passage from one to another without losing sight
of land. The Aegean islands thus served as "stepping-stones" between
Greece and Asia Minor.

WESTERN ASIA MINOR

Western Asia Minor resembles Continental Greece in its
deeply indented coast, variety of scenery, and mild climate. The fertile river
valleys of this region early attracted Greek colonists. They built here many
flourishing cities, especially along the central coast, which came to be known
as Ionia.

INFLUENCE OF GEOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS

Greek history well illustrates the influence of
geographical conditions on the life of a people. In the first place, mountain
ranges cut up Continental Greece into many small states, separated from one
another by natural ramparts. Hence the Greeks loved most of all their own local
independence and always refused to unite into one nation under a single
government. In the second place, the near presence of the sea made sailors of
the Greeks and led them to devote much energy to foreign commerce. They early
felt, in consequence, the stimulating effects of intercourse with other
peoples. Finally, the location of Greece at the threshold of Asia, with its
best harbors and most numerous islands on the eastern coast, enabled the
country to receive and profit by all the culture of the Orient. Greece faced
the civilized East.